Council takes action to reduce litter

Archived press release

Date Published: 01/08/07

Anyone dropping litter in Aylesbury Vale, including chewing gum and cigarette ends, could now find themselves with a £75 fine. The new rules also include discarded food such as chips or apple cores. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods & Envi...

Anyone dropping litter in Aylesbury Vale, including chewing gum and cigarette ends, could now find themselves with a £75 fine. The new rules also include discarded food such as chips or apple cores.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act, councils have tough, new powers to issue fixed penalty notices to those who litter. If the penalty notice isn’t paid, the culprit could be prosecuted in the magistrates’ court and end up with a fine of up to £2,500 and a criminal record if convicted. The act also covers graffiti, fly-posting and people who don’t clean up after their dogs.

This week, Aylesbury Vale District Council launches its Bin it campaign, which is designed to make the public aware of the new anti-litter legislation. High profile bus shelter posters and radio advertisements will promote the Bin it message. A leaflet about the new rules and the penalties for litter dropping is available in council offices and libraries.

Councillor Kevin McPartland, Cabinet Member for Civic Amenities, said, “Litter and other environmental crimes have an extremely negative impact on our communities, not just for residents but also for all those who shop, work in and visit the Vale’s towns and villages. The council spends over £1 million every year cleaning up our streets and open spaces. Last year alone some £20,000 was spent removing chewing gum from pavements in Aylesbury town centre. We’d much prefer to spend that money on facilities that would really benefit our communities instead of having to fund these expensive and unnecessary clean-up operations.”

The council has entered into an agreement with Thames Valley Police and their police community support officers (PCSOs) are now authorised to issue the fixed penalty notices to offenders on behalf of the council. Some council officers are also authorised to issue the penalty notices. Chief Inspector for Aylesbury Vale Richard Auger said, “We are pleased to offer the support and services of the PCSOs who will be issuing the fines if anyone is caught dropping litter. The initiative is another step, working in partnership with the local council, to help improve our environment and make Aylesbury Vale a cleaner and safer place to live.”

Councillor McPartland said, “Our message to the people of Aylesbury Vale is simple – please help us maintain a clean and attractive street environment by disposing of your litter responsibly… Bin it!”